Bolton residents are being reminded of the support available as part of a national awareness campaign around mental health as part of Mental Health Awareness Week (12-18 May).
The campaign aims to improve the awareness of support available to people, tackling any misconceptions and stigma surrounding mental health and wellbeing, and reducing any barriers they face in accessing the help they need.
Bolton focusses on promoting the ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ listed below, which are simple steps that boost mental and physical wellbeing:
- Connected - building and maintaining strong social connections with family, friends, and community members
- Be Active – doing physical activities like for example walking, running or cycling
- Take Notice – using your senses to be mindful of the ‘here and now’ and experiencing your surroundings to relax
- Keep Learning – exploring new skills, knowledge, or hobbies to stimulate your mind
- Give – caring for others and volunteering to boost happiness and sense of purpose
Bolton Council and it’s partners offer support throughout the year and are highlighting the range of support available to Bolton residents which includes:
- Let’s keep Bolton Moving, offering a range of positive activities and opportunities for all ages
- Be Kind To Your Mind provides information and supports for children and young people
- People aged 10-25yrs can get tailored support digitally at Kooth and Qwell also supports adults
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Free mental health and wellbeing courses for those working or volunteering in Bolton
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Bolton Talking Therapies offers free and confidential talking therapies for stress, anxiety, and depression at 01204 483 100
- If you are feeling stressed, anxious, low or can't sleep, Every Mind Matters can help with advice and practical tips
Exercise also helps clear your mind from any negative thoughts you may have, and it helps you feel fitter and stronger.
Cllr Jackie Schofield Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing at Bolton Council said:
“Bolton fully supports people to be mentally and emotionally well in the borough, providing a wealth of opportunities for self-help, advice and professional support when needed and we have plans in place to continue to develop this further in the future.
Prevention is always better than cure and it’s important to stay active, healthy and connected in the local community where support is readily available.
“Regular exercise and activity are the perfect medicine for a more positive and healthy state of mind and helps you feel fitter and stronger.
“There lots of ways to keep active with something to suit all tastes and abilities so check out the Let’s Keep Bolton Moving website and see what’s best for you.”
Cllr Emily Mort, Bolton Council’s Mental Health Champion, added:
“It’s important to keep active and talk to people as it helps protect our mental health and wellbeing.
“We recognise the key role that our community plays in contributing to mental health awareness and supporting people to be mentally well and stay well.
“Whether it is a short term trauma or a long-term health condition there are lots of opportunities to engage with a large number of organisations that provide support in Bolton.
“If you are seriously concerned about your own or somebody else’s mental health, please ask for help from the NHS Mental Health Crisis Line at 0800 953 0285, or the Samaritans on 116 123 or SMS: Text SHOUT to 85258.”